Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-08-14
THE DUKE DOCTOR.
PRINCE CHARLEs THEODORE, TH4
GOOD DUKE OF BAVARIA.
The Purple No Bar 10 tho osod Work
The Duke and His Noble
Wife.
fCooi Words.l

Bavaria, is the son and heirof the ira
weller and author, Macmillan, who, the
head OF a distinct royal line in Bavaria,
bears the title "Herzog in Bayern,
and Of Ludovicn, youngest daughter OF
King Maximilisn Joseph, first King OF
Bavaria. He was born August ., 1889,
and married at Dresden in 1863 the
pious Princess Sophia, daughter OF the
learned scholar King John OF Saxony.
Lett widower in March, 1867, with an
only child, little girl, he married
seven years later the Princess Mary
Josopha, Duchess o: Hreganza, lnfanta
Of Portugal, the third OF Don Miguefs
gifted daughters.
The prevention and cure OF disease
have from an early age possessed pc
culiar fascination for his Royal High
ness. who is prominently fitted by
nature to pursue this branch OF science.
As soon. therefore, rs he could free
himself from bis military duties he
Regularly studied and worked 10 a hos
piial. lie was at first silently and per
sistenily opposed and obstructed by
members OF the medical staff, until
finally bis indOmitablc tenacity and
skill compelled them to acknowledge
him no diicn0nfc but an adept in
scientific and practical medicine and
surgery.
by degrees he devoted his energies
10 the service Of the blind. In this
benefcent cause he is most efficiently
seconded by his young and courageous
wife. Married at the early age OF seven
teen. she has qualified herself under
her husbands direction for the treat
ment of disease and although an in
nate votary of cleanliness and fresh
ness, accepts perpetual contact with
dirt and poverty and never shrlnks
from the most loathsome sights and
smells while he, animated with love
of incessant work and increasing
knowledge, Introduces into his hospital
at Tegernsce the latest scientific DIS
coveries OF the healing art which he
learns each year in Munich or Vienna.
At Tegernsee, some thirty miles
southeast OF Munich, the palace stands
on the eastern shore of the broad lake,
environed by the village. 1t was until
1903 famous Benedictine monastery,
with long line of abbotts extending
over ] 200 years. Duke Charles Theo-
dore inherited the domain on the de-
mise of his maternal uncle, Prince
Charles of Bavaria. The new possessor
and his wifc-over his true helpmate--
Immediately began life of hard work
and philanthropy thata at first astonished
the people, until they fully recognized
the rare qualities OF the royal master
and mistress.
TIE Duke and Duchess spend great
pant Of each year on this estate, care.
July watching over the training OF
their bright and happy children, often
surrounded by other merry little folks
and their parents, all osely-attached
I,latives gathered together for the cele-
biation OF beautiful family festivals.
Tut, while enjoying an ideil domestic
, life. they uever forget their sick, to
whom they daily minister in their hos
1ital. 1t is situated at quarter of an
hours walk from the palace, and is
served by Sisters OF Charity.
Among the many interesting cures
effected by the Duke at Tegernsee may
be mentioned those of children born
blind. OF course in the education OF
the blind the knowledge of external
objects is chiefly conveyed by touch,
giving double significance to the words
OF Holy Writ 1.-The eye cannot say
to the hand. have no need OF thee.
A tiny girl, who had thus been trained,
when she could see, was noticed by
the Duchess silently to conten-
plate, then stroke table, and after
ward chsir. A boy. who had like
wise received sight, was unable to tell
her Roval Highness whether her
watch was round or square I'M
til he had felt it. At first 1t was
difficult for the children to walk
alone with their eyes open, especially
in going down stairs and she would
gladly have retained them near her for
some time to study their unfolding
faculties had not the relatives naturally
required the return of the little ones
who had not hitherto bcheld their
faces.
The Duke, unfortunately, suffers
from a delicate chest, which cOmpels
him nj times TO seek mild climate
In the spring of 1885 it was conse-
quently decided that he should make a
STAY of some weeks at Meran.
They had scarcely arrived when his
Royal Highness, although troubled with
bronchial catarrh, finding the pre-
scribed rest insupportable, arranged,
with the ready cooperation OF the To-
cal authorities. for two large adjoining
rooms in the town hospitalto be placed
at his disposal. He next announced his
readiness to give advice and aid to any
sufferers from diseases Of the eyes.
At first leihargy, diflidence, or self
caution held back many totally or par
TALLY blind. till the Dukes kindness
and skill being tested they began rapid
" 10 stream to Meran from all corners
Of Tyrol, the applicants, according to
regulation, resorting at stated hours to
the Villa Aders to be inspected by the
Duke. who, should their case require
il, then admitted them to his infirmsry
at the hospital.
LII uS INV huPfV'O N"'' -
legged to enter the Dukes wards. AT
ESQ A. NJ. we find the two spacious.
usually cheerful southern rooms III that
state OF obscurity in which they must
now be kept even at the brightest noon.
In the first thetwo opposite rows OF beds
contain recumbent, motionless male
figures. with bandsged heads, in the
hospital dressing gowns, made OF red,
and white. striped ticking. The second
and dining-room has similar arrange
ment of bandaged females in white
bed-gowns. In both wards the black
board affixed above each bed, an
nouncing the case under treatment, al
NEST universally has in white chalk the
word STAR" (cataract). From want
of space several male aud female pa
tients are propped up with cushions IN
arm-chairs.
?. The Sister OF Charity in charge Is
Completing the administration of coffee
and bread TO each, when the door opens
and gentleman enters carrying case
of instruments. The Duke, for it is
he, quietly asks for lighted candle,